A measure creating a specialized cyber crime unit within the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is headed to Governor Kevin Stitt for final approval.
Senate Bill 1859, authored in the House by Oklahoma Representative Mark Chapman, would establish a Cyber Crime and Fraud Unit focused on investigating cyber-enabled crimes such as ransomware attacks, network breaches, identity theft and digital financial fraud.
The unit would also provide digital forensics, technical assistance and training for law enforcement agencies while coordinating investigations with federal, tribal, state and local partners.
“Cybercrime is not something most people see day to day, but it’s happening constantly and it’s getting more sophisticated,” Chapman said. “We need to make sure our investigators have the expertise and support when these cases land on their desks instead of asking local agencies to figure it out on their own.”
The legislation also creates a revolving fund to support the unit’s operations and ongoing investigations.
The measure passed the Oklahoma House and now awaits the governor’s signature.
